Bafana Bafana Urged to Ignore Nigeria and Focus on Main Threat to Securing World Cup Spot
- South Africa and Nigeria still have the chance to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which would be hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States of America
- Bafana Bafana were initially on top of Group C, but FIFA sanctioned them for fielding an ineligible player in one of their qualifiers, and are not second on the log
- A football analyst in an exclusive chat with Briefly News explained why South Africa should ignore Nigeria and focus on the main threat to their World Cup qualification
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Bafana Bafana have been urged to snub the Super Eagles of Nigeria and focus on their main threat in securing a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament in their group.
Source: Getty Images
South Africa had three points chalked off from their total points in the qualifiers after being found guilty of fielding an ineligible player against Lesotho.
Hugo Broos' side were demoted from first in Group C to second, with the Benin Republic taking the top spot, with both teams having the same points.
Bafana urged to snub Nigeria
Football analyst Michael Afolayan, in a chat with Briefly News, has aired his thoughts about the recent standings in Group C of the World Cup qualifiers and agreed that the point deduction was a good move by FIFA.
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He also pointed out that Nigeria is not the main threat to Bafana Bafana's chances anymore; rather, they need to focus on the Benin Republic.
"It is a good move by FIFA to deduct the points, but Bafana Bafana and South Africans are anticipating the threat posed by Nigeria. However, I don't see the Super Eagles giving them problems at this stage, even with the deduction," he said.
"The main threat for South Africa now is the Benin Republic, but most people are not seeing it.
"Benin are currently at the top of the group with the same points as South Africa, while Nigeria is three points behind both countries.
"South Africa and Benin just need one win and a draw to knock the Super Eagles out of the contest, but Bafana Bafana and Gernot Rohr's side are going head-to-head until the final match."
Afolayan explains why South Africa might edge out the Benin Republic to seal the top place in Group C.
Source: Getty Images
"Firstly, Bafana Bafana are playing their two games against Zimbabwe and Rwanda in South Africa, which will give them home advantage as they would automatically have more fans present at the stadium," he added.
"The second part of it is that the Benin Republic still have a game against Nigeria, a team still gunning for a top place finish, and it would be a fierce encounter between the two neighbouring countries.
"Even with the Benin Republic occupying the first place in Group C, my money is still on Bafana Bafana to secure the automatic ticket, while Nigeria and the Squirrels will fight for the second-place finish."
Broos comments on point deduction
Briefly News also reported that Hugo Broos has broken his silence after Bafana Bafana were docked three points for fielding an ineligible player.
The coach addressed questions of responsibility, explaining where the blame lies and how the team plans to move forward after the controversial ruling.
Source: Briefly News
